Andy Rourke

Musician — Manchester

01Profile

A Andy Rourke Photo

03Interview

Photo by Lexi Bonin

Name, where are you from?
Andy Rourke, Manchester.

Describe your style in three words?
Classic, edgy, black.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Japan at Manchester Apollo around 1980, everything blew my mind, the musicianship, the showmanship, the sound!

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
This will sound really obvious but The Beatles and the Stones, growing up listening to them I found them both fascinating in their own way.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I was very much a hippy growing up at a time where most of my friends were experimenting in the punk culture, I used to take a lot of flack for that!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to sit down with Neil Young, he’s one of my heroes.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
The sound in there is terrible, but I love the Royal Albert Hall, I have fond memories of a triumphant Smiths gig there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Adam Green, I’ve always loved his work and especially his lyrics and showmanship, we have become good friends over the years.


 

Andy Rourke is best known as the bassist for iconic Manchester band The Smiths. His new project, Blitz Vega, has seen him team up with former Happy Mondays guitarist Kav.

Blitz Vega released their debut track 'Hey Christo' in April 2019 and follow up track 'Lost & Found' in September 2019. Listen to both below.

 

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Cum On Feel The Noize' by Slade.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Solid Air' by John Martyn.

One record you would keep forever?
'Revolver' by The Beatles.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Sometimes you get so lonely,
Sometimes you get nowhere.
"

From 'Be My Wife' by David Bowie.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Let’s Start The Dance' by Bohannon.

A song you wished you had written?
'I Was Made To Love Her' by Stevie Wonder.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Sign 'O' The Times' by Prince.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Nothing Rhymed' by Gilbert O’Sullivan.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'24-Hour Party People' by Happy Mondays.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Music For Dead Lovers Mixtape' by The Eccetronic Reseach Council.

03Interview

Photo by Lexi Bonin

Name, where are you from?
Andy Rourke, Manchester.

Describe your style in three words?
Classic, edgy, black.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Japan at Manchester Apollo around 1980, everything blew my mind, the musicianship, the showmanship, the sound!

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
This will sound really obvious but The Beatles and the Stones, growing up listening to them I found them both fascinating in their own way.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I was very much a hippy growing up at a time where most of my friends were experimenting in the punk culture, I used to take a lot of flack for that!

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to sit down with Neil Young, he’s one of my heroes.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
The sound in there is terrible, but I love the Royal Albert Hall, I have fond memories of a triumphant Smiths gig there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Adam Green, I’ve always loved his work and especially his lyrics and showmanship, we have become good friends over the years.


 

Andy Rourke is best known as the bassist for iconic Manchester band The Smiths. His new project, Blitz Vega, has seen him team up with former Happy Mondays guitarist Kav.

Blitz Vega released their debut track 'Hey Christo' in April 2019 and follow up track 'Lost & Found' in September 2019. Listen to both below.

 

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Cum On Feel The Noize' by Slade.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Solid Air' by John Martyn.

One record you would keep forever?
'Revolver' by The Beatles.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Sometimes you get so lonely,
Sometimes you get nowhere.
"

From 'Be My Wife' by David Bowie.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Let’s Start The Dance' by Bohannon.

A song you wished you had written?
'I Was Made To Love Her' by Stevie Wonder.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Sign 'O' The Times' by Prince.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Nothing Rhymed' by Gilbert O’Sullivan.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'24-Hour Party People' by Happy Mondays.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Music For Dead Lovers Mixtape' by The Eccetronic Reseach Council.

 

05Videos

Blitz Vega | Lost & Found (2019)

Blitz Vega | Hey Christo (2019)